Chris Roberts, the veteran game designer behind the 1990s classics Wing Commander and Privateer, has stayed away from game development for the past 10 years, but at next week's GDC Online, Roberts will peel back the curtain on a brand new project that marks his long-awaited return to the industry.

During a press event sponsored by his own Roberts Space Industries, the renowned PC game designer will demo a prototype of his new game, which promises to one again allow players to jump into the cockpit of a high-tech space fighter.

In a letter on his official website, Roberts notes that he's excited to return to the industry and to make the most out of today's modern technology.

"I grew up making video games. I sold my first game at the age of 13 and created Wing Commander when I was 21. But 10 years ago, at the height of my career I took a break. Not because I stopped loving or playing games but because I had become frustrated with the limits of the technology at the time to realize my vision," he said.

"I always said the moment I became interested in making games again was when I was going to come back. With the power of today’s computers and the reach of the internet I finally feel I have the tools to build the connected experience that I always dreamed of."

Next week's press event will take place at GDC Online in Austin Texas on Wednesday, October 10 at 9AM Central Daylight Time (or as Roberts puts it, "10AM Eastern Standard Time on the 10th day of the 10th month of this year").

All GDC pass holders are welcome to attend, as well as those who picked up special 'golden tickets' directly from Roberts Space Industries, and the event will also be livestreamed on GameSpot.com.

GDC Online itself will begin Tuesday, October 9, and will run until Wednesday, October 11. Those interesting in attending will be able to purchase their passes on-site starting October 8. For full details on any of the notable sessions, events, or exhibitors at this final Austin-based event, be sure to check out GDC Online's Schedule Builder and official website.

(This is the last GDC Online show in Austin -- organizers have announced a successor, Game Developers Conference Next, debuting in Los Angeles in November 2013 alongside the new App Developers Conference.)

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